Coach: Alastair Clarkson
Captain: Sam Mitchell
Finished 2009: 9th (nine wins, 13 losses)
Best and fairest: Sam Mitchell
Leading goalkicker: Lance Franklin (67 goals)
Leading possession winner: Sam Mitchell (654)
NEW PERSONNEL
On-field: Shaun Burgoyne (exchange period), Josh Gibson (exchange period), Taylor Duryea, Sam Grimley, Rhan Hooper, Ben Stratton, Jordan Williams (NAB AFL Draft), Michael Johnston, Jarrod Kayler-Thomson, Wayde Skipper (NAB AFL Rookie Draft)
Off-field: Adam Simpson (midfield coach)
BEST 22
B: Campbell Brown, Stephen Gilham, Josh Gibson
HB: Brent Guerra, Ryan Schoenmakers, Grant Birchall
C: Chance Bateman, Brad Sewell, Shaun Burgoyne
HF: Luke Hodge, Jarryd Roughead, Clinton Young
F: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
Foll: Simon Taylor, Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell
I/C: Xavier Ellis, Rick Ladson, Beau Muston, Brent Renouf
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
Cases could be made for star forward Lance Franklin and ruckman Simon Taylor whose absence will be felt. But no Hawk matches Luke Hodge for versatility, inspiration or determination. The 2008 Norm Smith medallist can change a game from any position on the ground and always shows his teammates the way.
UP AND COMER
After a shocking run of injuries, Beau Muston finally debuted last year with 31 disposals against Melbourne. He soon dropped back to the VFL but still managed eight games for the season. The Hawks have persisted with him and 2010 might be the year their patience pays off.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR
Wayde Skipper played just one senior game in the past two seasons for the Western Bulldogs but Hawthorn’s dire ruck stocks have presented him with a chance to resurrect his career. Simon Taylor will miss the next four months with injury and the idea of Skipper as the Hawks’ no. 1 ruckman is not out of the realms of possibility.
CHANGING TACK
The Hawks should still be using the rolling zone that famously won them a flag in 2008 but there might be a few players in different spots. Hodge is expected to move from the back half to spend more time in the midfield and across half-forward. Cyril Rioli could also be set for more time on the ball.
INJURY LIST
Shaun Burgoyne (hamstring) - test
Cyril Rioli (groin) - test
Brad Sewell (collarbone) - TBC (will miss first few rounds)
Wayde Skipper (hamstring) - 6-8 weeks
Simon Taylor (leg) - 4 months
Max Bailey (ACL) - indefinite
WHAT THE CLUB SAYS
“We’ve had an extra four to five weeks to prepare for the season. You can withstand a few hiccups in your program then if you have a couple of injuries. You can monitor the pace of your program a little bit better and our availability of players is certainly a lot better this year than it was this time last year.”- senior coach Alastair Clarkson
CRYSTAL BALL
Most would be expecting an improvement from the Hawks. They had a shocking run of injuries in 2009 and the final position of ninth was an underachievement. If they can keep their big names on the park then a finals berth should follow. They are also capable of a top-four spot but a dearth of ruckman is a real concern.
SEASON OPENER
March 27 v Melbourne at MCG.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
